Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a dietary supplementation assistive device that enables a user to receive personalized dietary assistance by determining specific nutritional requirements based on the user’s health data and dietary preferences, thereby ensuring consumption of essential nutrients for maintaining a balanced diet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A healthy and balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being and preventing various health issues. Individuals often struggle to meet their daily nutritional requirements due to busy lifestyles, lack of knowledge regarding proper dietary intake, or unavailability of necessary ingredients at the right time. In such cases, people may resort to unhealthy eating habits or fail to consume essential nutrients, which may lead to long-term health complications.

[0003] While several dietary plans and nutritional guidelines are available, they often require significant effort and manual preparation. Users are required to select appropriate food items, measure portions, and prepare meals that align with their dietary needs, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Additionally, users may lack awareness of their specific nutritional deficiencies or overconsume certain nutrients, leading to an unbalanced diet.

[0004] Moreover, individuals who require specialized diets, such as those with diabetes, heart conditions, or other medical concerns, face challenges in consistently preparing meals that meet their dietary restrictions. Manual meal preparation may result in errors, such as incorrect ingredient selection or improper portion control, which can negatively impact health.

[0005] US20060099310A1 relates to devices and methods for the automatic preparation of a personalized nutritional supplement in a retail outlet.

[0006] discloses a portable, autonomous electronic device consisting of a barcode scanner, an updatable nutrition facts database, user memory to store product records of products eaten, and an integral readout display is disclosed that will allow a user to scan barcodes on food items consumed and keep a cumulative total of calories and other nutrients. Prepared packaged foods may have their barcodes read directly, while foods that are used in cooking or preparing other foods may be referenced by scanning from a printed generic foods barcode list provided with the device. Serving sizes can be adjusted to accurately reflect the intake of given food items. Daily cumulative totals of calories and several other nutrients can be displayed as bar graphs, and the incremental increase that would result from consuming a scanned item can be displayed with reference to what has already been consumed. Weekly calorie totals broken down by day can be displayed in order to give an estimation of how successfully the user has adhered to diet goals over a dietarily significant span of time. Barcode numbers of food items input into the device along with date and serving size consumed can be stored in user memory and downloaded to another device, for example a computer or printer, via an interface. Diet strategies can be personalized with respect to any one of or combination of several nutritional categories, such as calories, fat, etc.

[0007] As discussed in the above-mentioned prior arts, various methods and systems exist to provide general dietary recommendations. However, these conventional solutions do not offer an automated approach to selecting, processing, and preparing meals based on personalized nutritional needs. Furthermore, existing systems do not integrate real-time dietary analysis with meal preparation, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining a balanced diet.

[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to provide a provision for automatically selecting, processing, and preparing dietary items customized to an individual’s nutritional requirements. In addition, the developed device also needs to ensure accurate dietary intake, minimize user effort, and maintain optimal storage conditions for ingredients, thereby enabling individuals to consistently consume balanced and nutritious meals with minimal manual intervention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of helping users receive dietary recommendations tailored to their health needs, ensuring they consume the right nutrients based on their biological and medical data.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating the manual effort required for ingredient selection, portioning, and processing, making it easier to prepare healthy meals without extensive time and effort.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintaining optimal conditions for stored food items, preventing spoilage and ensuring freshness while reducing food waste.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that streamlines the process of chopping, mixing, and blending, enabling quick and hassle-free preparation of customized meals like smoothies or salads.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that identifies and processes only the necessary ingredients based on user preferences, minimizing unnecessary consumption and waste.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that simplifies dietary planning and preparation, making healthy eating more accessible for users with busy lifestyles or limited cooking skills.

[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to a dietary supplementation assistive device that is accessed by a user for obtaining customized dietary recommendations and automated meal preparation, wherein the device processes dietary items in accordance with user-specific nutritional needs, thereby eliminating manual effort in meal planning and preparation.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dietary supplementation assistive device, comprising a cuboidal housing having a touch enabled display unit mounted on the housing to enable a user to provide touch input regarding receiving dietary assistance by inputting dietary preferences such as smoothie or salad, a user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to enable the computing unit to connect with a communication unit linked with a microcontroller provided in the housing, to enable the user to input details of the user including biological data and medical details, in addition to the dietary preferences, an analysis module linked with the microcontroller receives the dietary preferences and the inputted details, to determine specific nutrients required for the user’s health, multiple chambers disposed within the housing for storage of various dietary items, a Peltier unit is installed within each of the chambers for maintaining a temperature of the items within a predetermined temperature range, a hopper provided in the housing, underneath the chambers, for receiving the items via iris lids provided under each of the chambers, iris lids corresponding to chambers having items with nutrients determined by the analysis module are actuated to selectively dispense the item into the hopper, a tank positioned underneath the hopper, for receiving the items from the hopper and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the tank to determine a fruit in the tank requiring core removal.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises of a core removal arrangement is provided with the tank, comprising an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm attached with an edge of the tank, having a cylindrical member with a sharp edge, at an end for inserting into a fruit dispensed into the tank, for removal of core from the fruit, a cutting blade attached within the tank by means of a cam arrangement for reciprocating the blade to chop the items into smaller pieces, a plate is attached within the tank by means of a sliding unit to guide the items towards the blade for a complete chopping, a sliding panel is attached underneath the tank for dispensing the chopped items into the bowl/blending unit, a dual axis lead screw arrangement arranged within the housing, underneath the tank, having a base with blending unit for receiving the chopped items for preparing a smoothie, the blending unit comprises a cylindrical vessel having a motorised blending flap for liquefying the items into a smoothie, if the user has inputted a requirement of a smoothie, a bowl is positioned on the base is placed underneath the tank by an actuation of the lead screw arrangement, if the user has inputted a requirement of a salad and a multi-section receptacle is provided in the housing for storage of a plurality of food additions to be added into the blending unit, via conduits configured with pumps, connecting the receptacle and the tank, in accordance with user input.

[0020] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a dietary supplementation assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0025] The present invention relates to a dietary supplementation assistive device that is accessed by a user for receiving customized dietary assistance based on individual health requirements. Additionally, the device automates the selection, processing, and preparation of dietary items, while ensuring optimal storage conditions to maintain freshness, thereby reducing food wastage and simplifying the preparation of personalized meals, thereby assisting the user in maintaining a healthy lifestyle with minimal effort.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a dietary supplementation assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having a touch enabled display unit 102, a plurality of chambers 103 disposed within the housing 101, a hopper 104 provided in the housing 101, underneath the chambers 103, iris lids 105 provided under each of the chambers 103, a tank 106 positioned underneath the hopper 104, a cutting blade 122 attached within the tank 106 by means of a cam arrangement 107, a dual axis lead screw arrangement 108 arranged within the housing 101, having a base 109 with blending unit 110, the blending unit 110 comprises a cylindrical vessel 111 having a motorised blending flap 112, an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 113 attached with an edge of the tank 106, having a cylindrical member 114, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115, is installed on the tank 106, a plate 116 is attached within the tank 106 by means of a sliding unit 117, a bowl 118 is positioned on the base 109 is placed underneath the tank 106, a sliding panel 119 is attached underneath the tank 106, a multi-section receptacle 120 connected with the tank 106 via conduits 121.

[0027] The device disclosed herein is housed in a cuboidal housing 101 equipped with a touch-enabled display unit 102. The display allows users to interact with the device and input their dietary preferences. The user selects their dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian). Then the display unit 102 display questions about milk preference (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, or normal milk) and dietary restrictions. The touch-enabled display unit 102 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs preferences, such as selecting whether they want a smoothie or a salad. A touch controller is typically connected to a microcontroller of the device through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to PI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0028] By providing this touch interface, the device ensures ease of use, allowing users to conveniently specify their preferences without requiring manual configurations. The display serves as the interface for receiving dietary assistance and configuring the device to customize food preparation according to individual needs.

[0029] A user interface that is connected to a computing unit, in turn, is linked with a communication unit that interacts with the microcontroller. Through this setup, the user inputs essential details such as biological data (age, weight, health conditions, etc.), medical information (allergies, dietary restrictions), and specific dietary preferences. The communication unit ensures that the entered data is processed efficiently, allowing the device to customize food preparation based on the user’s unique health and nutritional needs.

[0030] The display unit 102 takes into account the body proportion and the need of B-12 level in the user.
• If the user selects a pre-workout diet, the display unit 102 suggest a fruit salad. The user customizes the salad by adding items like curd or honey.
• If the user selects a post-workout diet, the display unit 102 suggest a smoothie with customized ingredients as per the choice of the user.

[0031] The device is equipped with an analysis module that is directly connected to the microcontroller. This module receives and processes the user's dietary preferences and inputted biological/medical data to determine the specific nutrients required for the user’s health. By analyzing the user's dietary needs, the module helps in the selection of appropriate ingredients stored within the device, ensuring that the prepared food items are nutritionally optimized, which customizes food intake based on individual health parameters, promoting a personalized nutrition approach.

[0032] Multiple storage chambers 103, each designed to store various dietary items such as fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. To maintain the freshness and quality of stored items, each chamber 103 is equipped with a Peltier unit. The Peltier unit controls the temperature of the chambers 103, keeping the stored ingredients within a predefined temperature range. The Peltier unit is a thermoelectric cooler that uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other when an electrical current is passed. The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor materials connected in a sandwich-like fashion. These materials are typically made of bismuth telluride and one side of the Peltier unit is called the hot side and the other is the cold side. When a direct current is applied to the Peltier unit, electrodes within the semiconductor material start moving from one side to the other. The Peltier effect occurs as a result of electron movement.

[0033] When electrons flow from the cold side to the hot side, they carry heat with them. This leads to one side of the Peltier unit becoming colder, and the other side becoming hooter. This effect allows the Peltier unit to effectively transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature gradient, which ensures that perishable items remain fresh and do not spoil over time, allowing the device to provide high-quality food preparation whenever needed.

[0034] Positioned underneath the storage chambers 103, the device includes a hopper 104, which serves as a collection unit for dispensing selected ingredients. The chambers 103 are fitted with iris lids 105 that open selectively based on the analysis module's determination of required nutrients. The microcontroller actuates the iris lids 105, allowing only the necessary ingredients to be released into the hopper 104. This automated selection and dispensing arrangement ensures precise ingredient measurement, minimizing waste and ensuring that the prepared food aligns with the user’s dietary needs.

[0035] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115 is installed within a tank 106 positioned under the hopper 104. The imaging unit 115 is integrated with a processor to analyze and record images of the food items inside the tank 106. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 115 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the of the food items inside the tank 106. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification by utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols.

[0036] The image captured by the imaging unit 115 is real-time images of the of the food items inside the tank 106. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 115 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines fruit in the tank 106.

[0037] If the imaging unit 115 detects that a fruit in the tank 106 requires core removal (e.g., apples, pears, or similar fruits), it activates a core removal arrangement. This arrangement consists of an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 113 that extends from the edge of the tank 106. The arm 113 has a cylindrical member 114 with a sharp edge designed to insert into the fruit and extract its core efficiently. The extension of the arm 113 is powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes the compressed air to extend or retract the bar to position the member 114 over the fruit and extract its core, thereby ensuring hygienic and precise fruit preparation, reducing manual effort for the user.

[0038] Once the ingredients are processed, the device includes a cutting arrangement installed within the tank 106. The cutting arrangement features a cutting blade 122 attached via a cam arrangement 107, enabling it to perform reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion for efficient chopping of food items. In simpler terms, when the cam rotates, it causes the cutting blade 122 to move back and forth in a straight line.

[0039] As the cam rotates, it creates an eccentric motion that drives the cutting blade 122. This eccentric motion is characterized by a circular motion that is offset from the center of rotation, resulting in a back-and-forth motion. The cutting blade 122, being attached to this cam arrangement 107, inherits this reciprocating motion. As a result, the cutting blade 122 moves rapidly back and forth, allowing it to chop food items efficiently.

[0040] The reciprocating motion of the cutting blade 122 enables it to chop food items with precision and speed. As the blade 122 moves back and forth, it creates a shearing action that cuts through food items with ease. This action is particularly effective for chopping vegetables, herbs, and other food items that require precise cutting.

[0041] Additionally, a plate 116 is installed within the tank 106 by means of a sliding unit 117, which guides the ingredients towards the cutting blade 122 to ensure complete chopping. Once the ingredients are dispensed from the hopper 104 into the tank 106, they may be scattered unevenly. To ensure that all food items reach the cutting blade 122 effectively, the plate 116 is actuated using a rail-guided sliding arrangement. This movement directs the ingredients toward the cutting blade 122, preventing them from staying in one place or remaining unchopped. The plate’s controlled motion ensures that even small or lightweight food particles do not escape the chopping process.

[0042] The cutting blade 122 operates in synchronization with the sliding plate 116. As the plate 116 moves the ingredients forward, the blade 122, begins its cutting action. This ensures that the food items are not only guided effectively but are also chopped into uniform sizes. The speed and movement of the sliding plate 116 are carefully calibrated to match the chopping cycle, preventing ingredients from piling up or getting stuck.

[0043] After the chopping process is completed, the sliding plate 116 retracts to its original position, making way for a sliding panel 119 underneath the tank 106 to open. This allows the chopped ingredients to be transferred smoothly into either a blending unit 110 (for smoothies) or a bowl 118 (for salads). To cater to different user preferences, the device includes a dual-axis lead screw arrangement 108 installed beneath the tank 106. This arrangement allows for precise positioning of either a bowl 118 (for salad preparation) or a blending unit 110 (for smoothies) under the tank 106. If the user has selected a smoothie, the blending unit 110, which consists of a cylindrical vessel 111 with a motorized blending flap 112, is activated to liquefy the chopped ingredients into a smoothie. If the user has selected a salad, the bowl 118 is positioned to receive the chopped ingredients without blending. This automated movement ensures that food is prepared as per the user's choice with minimal effort.

[0044] To further enhance customization, the device includes a multi-section receptacle 120 within its housing 101 for storing additional food ingredients such as proteins, vitamins, or other dietary supplements, which is pumped into the blending unit 110 via conduits 121 connected to the tank 106 based on user input. The pumps and conduits 121 ensure accurate dispensing of additional ingredients, allowing users to enrich their food with specific nutrients as per their health requirements.

[0045] The microcontroller also sends reminders to the user at regular intervals (e.g., every few weeks or months) to upload new health reports so that the machine reassesses their Vitamin B12 levels and adjusts the diet plan accordingly.

[0046] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the operation of the device begins when the user interacts with the touch-enabled display, selecting their dietary preference smoothie or salad and inputting relevant biological and medical data. The computing unit processes this information and sends it to the microcontroller, which, in conjunction with the analysis module, determines the specific nutrients required for the user’s health. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller identifies which ingredients are needed from the storage chambers 103. The storage chambers 103, which hold various dietary items, are temperature-controlled using Peltier units to keep food fresh. The microcontroller actuates the iris lids 105 of the required chambers 103, allowing the selected ingredients to drop into the hopper 104. The hopper 104 then funnels the ingredients into the tank 106, where further processing takes place. If the dispensed ingredients include fruits requiring core removal (e.g., apples or pears), the imaging unit 115 scans the tank 106 and detects whether a core needs to be removed. If needed, the articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 113 with a cylindrical coring tool is activated. It precisely removes the core and prepares the fruit for chopping. Once the core removal process is complete (or bypassed if unnecessary), the sliding plate 116 moves the ingredients towards the reciprocating cutting blade 122. The blade 122, powered by a cam arrangement 107, chops the ingredients into smaller pieces for uniform consistency. The sliding panel 119 beneath the tank 106 then opens, transferring the chopped ingredients for the next stage. At this stage, the dual-axis lead screw mechanism determines whether the user requested a smoothie or a salad:
• if the user selected a smoothie, the blending unit 110 is positioned under the tank 106, and the motorized blending flap 112 liquefies the chopped ingredients into a smoothie.
• If the user selected a salad, a bowl 118 is positioned instead, allowing the chopped ingredients to be collected without blending.
[0047] In continuation, the multi-section receptacle 120 for additional dietary supplements such as proteins, vitamins, or flavour enhancers. Based on user input, the device pumps the selected additions into the blending unit 110 or bowl 118 through conduits 121. Finally, the prepared smoothie or salad is dispensed, ready for consumption.

[0048] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A dietary supplementation assistive device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having a touch enabled display unit 102 mounted on said housing 101 to enable a user to provide touch input regarding receiving dietary assistance by inputting dietary preferences;
ii) a user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to enable said computing unit to connect with a communication unit linked with a microcontroller provided in said housing 101, to enable said user to input details of said user including biological data and medical details, in addition to said dietary preferences;
iii) an analysis module linked with said microcontroller receives said dietary preferences and said inputted details, to determine specific nutrients required for said user’s health;
iv) a plurality of chambers 103 disposed within said housing 101 for storage of various dietary items;
v) a hopper 104 provided in said housing 101, underneath said chambers 103, for receiving said items via iris lids 105 provided under each of said chambers 103, wherein iris lids 105 corresponding to chambers 103 having items with nutrients determined by said analysis module are actuated to selectively dispense said item into said hopper 104;
vi) a tank 106 positioned underneath said hopper 104, for receiving said items from said hopper 104;
vii) a cutting blade 122 attached within said tank 106 by means of a cam arrangement 107 for reciprocating said blade 122 to chop said items into smaller pieces;
viii) a dual axis lead screw arrangement 108 arranged within said housing 101, underneath said tank 106, having a base 109 with blending unit 110 for receiving said chopped items for preparing a smoothie; and
ix) said blending unit 110 comprises a cylindrical vessel 111 having a motorised blending flap 112 for liquefying said items into a smoothie.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit is installed within each of said chambers 103 for maintaining a temperature of said items within a predetermined temperature range.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a core removal arrangement is provided with said tank 106, comprising an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 113 attached with an edge of said tank 106, having a cylindrical member 114 with a sharp edge, at an end for inserting into a fruit dispensed into said tank 106, for removal of core from said fruit.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115, is installed on said tank 106 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said frame, to determine a fruit in said tank 106 requiring core removal to actuate said core removal arrangement to remove core of said fruit by insertion of said member 114.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plate 116 is attached within said tank 106 by means of a sliding unit 117 to guide said items towards said blade 122 for a complete chopping.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bowl 118 is positioned on said base 109 is placed underneath said tank 106 by an actuation of said lead screw arrangement 108, if said user has inputted a requirement of a salad.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blending unit 110 is placed underneath said tank 106 by an actuation of said lead screw arrangement 108, if said user has inputted a requirement of a smoothie.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sliding panel 119 is attached underneath said tank 106 for dispensing said chopped items into said bowl 118/blending unit.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multi-section receptacle 120 is provided in said housing 101 for storage of a plurality of food additions to be added into said blending unit 110, via conduits 121 configured with pumps, connecting said receptacle 120 and said tank 106, in accordance with user input.